Going from 2-gang to 1-gang but there are a lot of wires!

[BVRD]

Hi,

I recently moved house and in one room there's a 2-gang dimmer switch but there's only one light and the other switch doesn't seem to do anything. In old photos of the house it looks like there was a wall sconce light which has been plastered over.

I was hoping to replace the switch with a 1-gang switch but when I took it off the wall there were a lot more wires than I was expecting. There are three earths for starters.

How do I handle this? Best to get an electrician out or is this something I can deal with myself?

PXL_20240114_164103421.jpg (327.64 KiB) Viewed 1038 times

PXL_20240114_164119000.jpg (296.17 KiB) Viewed 1038 times

PXL_20240114_164145121.jpg (263.04 KiB) Viewed 1038 times

[Someone-Else]

No idea what is happening there, it not right for 2 way switching, and it is not clear what the wires are for, and which are working. Best to get a competent person, test it, and take it from there.

[Neelix]

Interesting set up. Looks like you have 2 sets of 2 way switching.

If, and I say if you want to meddle, mark the cables and take photos before you do anything is my advice

[aeromech3]

As above, not a domestic electrician but I would determine which switch is operating your light fitting; Is there a jumper wire from L2 to L2 which could could be disconnected and removed then check if your light works. If it does not then need to determine which wire is needed to be transferred over and that is when a meter is necessary or keep a jumper from the respective wago in next step to L2 of working switch. Back box room might be an issue
Next tackle the redundant switch by keeping wires in groups together in separate wago's.
So all those going to L1 in one wago etc etc.
All work done with electrics absolutely isolated.
Stand to be corrected by above electricians.

[Neelix]

As above, not a domestic electrician but I would determine which switch is operating your light fitting; Is there a jumper wire from L2 to L2 which could could be disconnected and removed then check if your light works. If it does not then need to determine which wire is needed to be transferred over and that is when a meter is necessary or keep a jumper from the respective wago in next step to L2 of working switch. Back box room might be an issue
Next tackle the redundant switch by keeping wires in groups together in separate wago's.
So all those going to L1 in one wago etc etc.
All work done with electrics absolutely isolated.
Stand to be corrected by above electricians.

DO NOTHING until you have worked out what both of the 2 way switches do..........

[wine~o]

DO NOTHING until you have worked out what both of the 2 way switches do..

And know what connects to where...

[BVRD]

Ok thanks all, you've definitely convinced me this is above my pay grade! I'll get someone who knows what they're doing out to look at it.